Nearly 80 emergency responders and support staff gathered on September 22nd to conduct a half-day emergency exercise centered on a mass outbreak of botulism in our community. Personnel from area agencies worked together to plan timely responses to the mock crisis, and debriefings were held afterward to ensure future improvements in procedures. Such regional exercises are critical to ensure optimum readiness of our emergency response processes.

In response to an offer to do free testing for well owners in Golden Valley, the Department of Water Resources has provided free testing for nitrates on wells of 31 residents in the Golden Valley area, with more scheduled in early October. Based on the results, staff will work with residents to address any concerns that need attention.

Deputy District Attorney Nathan Edwards was named by Nevada Business Journal as one of Nevada`s top attorneys. Nate was the only government attorney to make this list and, therefore, the Washoe County District Attorney`s office was the only government agency represented on the list. The list was compiled from Nevada attorneys participating in the Journal`s ranking. Nate was recognized for his expertise in the area of land use planning, building and safety, and litigation. He has been practicing for ten years in Nevada.

The first human case of the West Nile virus was discovered in Washoe County earlier this month. The resident tested positive for a milder form of the illness, West Nile Fever, and has now fully recovered. Health District officials continue to advise the public to take personal precautions such as use of repellent, clearing yards of any free-standing water and other measures that can be found at www.washoecounty.us/health

Saturday, Oct. 2 and Sunday, Oct. 3 will be the last quarterly Residential Dump Days of 2010. Waste Management has teamed up with Washoe County and Keep Truckee Meadows Beautiful to offer free dumping for eligible items and reduced fees for other items during this event that takes place at the two WM transfer stations. For more information including locations, times, eligible items and reduced rates, visit www.wm.com or www.washoecounty.us

The Truckee Meadows Trails Guide was selected by the national City and County Communications and Marketing Association to receive a second-place award at their annual conference. The publication was produced by the Washoe County Open Space and Parks Department with a generous grant from the Federal Highway Administration Recreational Trails Program along with support from the RSCVA, St. Mary`s Regional Medical Center and Scheels. Limited copies are still available from the Parks Department.

Washoe County launched our new website design last week which enhances citizens` access to popular services on the site and a new front page with timely news and information. Please visit www.washoecounty.us and let us know what you think of our new look! In additon to our website, you can also track us at Facebook at www.facebook.com/washoecounty or join us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/washoecounty

The November 2nd general election is nearly here...are you ready? Last day to register to vote by mail is October 2nd, and the last day to register in person at the Registrar`s Office is October 12th. Early voting will take place from October 16-29 this year. For more information about the upcoming election, including finding out if you are registered and where you go to vote, please visit our website at www.washoecounty.us/voters

The Department of Water Resources hosted a Climate Change Workshop last week for 40 members of the region`s water management agencies and consulting groups who provide services to those agencies. The goal of the workshop was to foster a dialog related to climate change effects in our area, which leads to greater cooperation among entities and better service for our customers.

Construction recently began on drainage improvements to the Highland Ditch located in the Mogul area which will transform the one-time irrigation ditch to solely a storm water conveyance channel. Improvements include the removal of existing flumes and installation of rock rip-rap drop structures at several locations which will convey storm runoff in the channel to existing drainage facilities within the Mogul community.

A nearly $3 million contract was awarded to local contractor NORESCO to conduct energy conservation measures for Washoe County. The contract guarantees a payback of nearly $4.5 million over a 15-year period. The project is expected to generate 23 local jobs.